June 26
Food in Ipoh
Like most of the Malay peninsula, the food in Ipoh represents the diversity of the ethincities that live here. Although in Ipoh that’s primarily Chinese, there are Indians, Indonesians, Thais, and other SE Asians represented.
There are some unique foods that are icons of Ipoh, and if there’s a trend, the locals all seem to point to the limestone geology as to what makes local Ipoh foods unique. There is a specific type of beansprout that grows in the area, fat and sweet. There’s locally produced tofu and even some of the noodles have unique flavor and texture. The Ipoh residents say that the limestone hills add minerals to the water here that gives all of those items a specific characteristic that you can’t find in other places in Malaysia.
One very famous food/drink item is Ipoh White Coffee. It’s served everywhere and if you simply order a coffee, White Coffee will be served sweetened and with milk or using sweetened condensed milk. You have to specifically say you want “Coffee O” if you want black coffee. White coffee is not just coffee with milk, the beans are roasted in margarine, which imparts a naturally sweet and smooth flavor
The two types of Egg Tarts, Hong Kong style on the left, and Macau Style on the right.
Coffee Restaurants
Local coffee restaurants are generally breakfast and lunch spots, with most closing in the mid-afternoon. They operate like a mini food court, with 2-5 independently operated food stalls where you can order noodles, rice, curries, tarts, and other dishes. The coffee restaurant itself handles seating customers and generally serves coffee/tea, toast (roti), and eggs. You walk over to the stalls to order more substantial food. Interestingly, you pay the servers as each dish is delivered to your table so as soon as you’re finished with your meal you are ready to leave.
The famous Ipoh White Coffee
White Coffee and Kaya Toast
Half boiled eggs seasoned with white pepper and light soy sauce. A staple in the morning with the Kaya Toast
Local Ipoh Specialties
The Local Bean Sprouts, served everywhere
Yu Kong Hor, “Midnight Noodles” named for their dark color and egg yolk representing the moon
Local foods in Ipoh center around the locally produced ingredients, which all are irrigated or produced with water that’s been filtered through the limestone hills. Whether it’s tofu, bean sprouts, or noodles, there’s a distinct purity to the flavors, so I think there’s something other than just local pride at work.
Dry Curry Mee with local noodles
Nyonya Curry Chicken, which was amazing
Tau Fu Fah, silky smooth tofu in a sweet ginger syrup
Steamed Chicken and Rice with Bean Sprouts at the Night Market
The Famous Ramly Burger
I was excited to encounter a Ramly Burger stall
Ramly Burger is all the rage on social media. Of course I had to try one.
Ramly was started in order to give a halal and local option in Malaysia to the various international burger chains. They are almost entirely sold from food carts, so they are affordable. They’re not a traditional USA burger and don’t pretend to be. They are juicy, saucy, slightly spicy, and really good.
The burger patty is wrapped in a fried egg blanket. Warm and cozy!
Prices are reasonable, for the Special Burger (wrapped in a fried egg) it’s $5.50 MYR ($1..17 USD)
All done up and ready to wrap
Both chicken and beef patties are available
So much sauce, at least 4 different kinds.